How do you take a stand against bad service?

I thought that the economy was 'going to the dogs' and the high street was suffering as a result but last week when I wanted to purchase a pair of shoes for work, I just couldn't spend my money in one shop. 

Blackpool has a long way to go before it matches nearby cities to become a shopping mecca but I honestly think that some shops need to think big and be improving their customer service and most importantly, ensure their tills are ringing with sales. 

We have very few shoe shops, so you'd think that any opportunities to sell shoes would be grasped but when I walked into one high street shops, this wasn't the case.  I received no greeting when I entered the shop, no offer of help when I was browsing the displays and no acknowledgement that I was actually on their premises.  Instead I heard them discuss a night out and recommending restaurants for each other to try, but no mention of shoes, getting a sale or 'wow, we have a customer loose in the shop!'

Now, I'm not being precious but surely a sales assistant should have at least come over and asked if I needed help or offer to get a pair of shoes in my size.  I was livid and thought sod it, if they don't want my custom then I'm not going to spend my money here and walked out.  This was despite the fact that I'd found a great pair of shoes. 

I walked over to a rival high street store and found a pair of shoes that were about £10 cheaper and bought them.  I did have that fleeting thought of going back to the store with my purchases, a bit like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman and say 'big mistake, huge' but didn't think it was worth it. But what would you have done? 

How should you deal with bad customer service, should you complain in store, write a letter to the Head Office or just simply forget about it?

Any suggestions, gratefully received . . .

Yours

A disgruntled customer

Comments

Pearl Westwood said…
I won't shop any where with bad service and I will report it to the manager - usually falls on deaf ears I have to say. If I want something I will be a bitch customer and make them do their job - yes we all have had jobs we hate but that doesn't mean you shouldn't respect it. Thing is it can be hit and miss even in the same shops it can depend which sales assistant you get. Because I am obsessive I actually call or Facebook the SA's Ive made friends with to see when they are working so I know I will get nice friendly service, most of them appreciate it as they get commission too. Its funny as now so many of my friends I originally met in stores!
I never knew shoes could be this fascinating...hmmm. I must study and learn from this blog. ;)
HazelxJoy said…
I would have asked for assistance, been as nice as pie and then asked for the name of their manager just before I smiled sweetly and left...
Sharon S said…
Hi there-it sounds like this was meant to be as their poor service lost them a sale and you bagged a better and cheaper bargain too, a letter to their Head office telling them this wouldn't go amiss!! xx
Vix said…
I agree with Sharon, a strongly worded letter to their head office should make them sit up and take notice. In this age of high unemployment one would assume people were grateful to have a job and put some effort into doing it well. xxx
CameronPoe2409 said…
Thanks for the advice, I think I might have to draft a letter ...

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